Melanie Fuhrmann joins MSU Extension consumer horticulture team in Oakland County
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EmailMelanie Fuhrmann will work with Extension Master Gardeners, home gardeners and other partners in Oakland County and across the state.
I am thrilled to join Michigan State University Extension as the new consumer horticulture educator serving Oakland County. In this role, I will coordinate the Oakland County Extension Master Gardener classes and volunteers and collaborate with local communities, agencies and partners to make research-based gardening practices more accessible and impactful. I am eager to support community efforts to create more beautiful, inclusive and accessible landscapes. With experience in agriculture and a passion for fostering inclusive, educational programs, I look forward to connecting volunteers with community projects that improve our community green spaces. I am excited to contribute to Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s mission to enhance the lives of individuals, communities and businesses and am honored to be part of a statewide team dedicated to positive, sustainable change.
Prior to joining MSU Extension, I co-managed my family’s farm and apple orchard, Fuhrmann Orchards, where I gained extensive hands-on experience in fruit, vegetable and cut flower production. I bring to Extension a wealth of knowledge in crop cultivation, maintenance and design practices.
Additionally, I have valuable experience in:
- Educating diverse audiences on agricultural practices.
- Developing and delivering educational programs, including creating a new curriculum for the Ohio 4-H Program.
- Extension and outreach through my work with Purdue Extension and the Ohio 4-H Healthy Living Design Team.
I earned a Master of Science in agricultural communication, education and leadership with a specialization in community and extension education from Ohio State University. My undergraduate degree is in community leadership – community and extension education from Ohio State University.
My diverse academic and work experience will enable me to address many subject areas as Oakland’s consumer horticulture educator. I will work with the statewide MSU Extension consumer horticulture team to create engaging programming for Extension Master Gardeners and community members. I am looking forward to helping others to engage in gardening, learn more about growing their own food and witnessing the positive impact it has on our community.
I am based out of the Oakland County MSU Extension office located at 1200 Telegraph Rd, Building #34, East 2nd floor, Pontiac, MI 48341. For more information about MSU Extension educational programs or to Ask Extension a lawn or garden question, visit the Gardening in Michigan website.
